Jesus’ Strategy for Establishing New Ministry
Jesus discipled next generation leaders. They were the next in that most of them were quite young, it seems. They were also the first generation of Christian leaders following the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. As such, Jesus mentored these men in how to establish ministry even in potentially hostile environments.
The ministry pattern taught by Jesus in Luke 10 is applicable in most parts of the world today. The truth is that the gospel is not welcomed in much of the world. Still, it is advancing with power and glory in even the most repressive environments because of magnificent grace of God. And because His followers have learned the Luke 10 pattern for establishing new ministry.
Text: Luke 10:1-9
ESSENTIAL ASSUMPTIONS
Five general assumptions are presented in verses 1 and 2.
1. Apostolic (sent ones) ministry is essential to God’s plan.
2. Jesus only sends to places where He intends to show up!
3. A large harvest of souls is waiting to be reaped.
4. The problem is not converts but workers willing to go.
5. Prayer changes things.
ESSENTIAL PATTERN
Jesus then presents a pattern for establishing the Kingdom in potentially hostile environments. Here is His pattern:
1. Go when and to where Jesus says Go (v 1 & 3)
2. Be realistic about the dangers (sheep among wolves).
3. Take precautions (v 4):
Travel modestly
Travel quietly
Be discerning about people you meet along the way
4. Bless those whom you meet in the new location. (v 5)
5. Find a ‘man of peace’ who will emerge by God’s design. This person provides the first safe (peaceful) place for ministry to begin. (v 6)
6. Take time to establish a personal relationship with this person/family. (v 7-8)
7. When a need arises, pray for God to meet the need. (v 9)
8. Let the answer to prayer be the moment to announce that ‘the Kingdom of God’ has come near - and present the gospel. (v 9)
May the Lord expand your territory and extend His Kingdom as you follow His pattern!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
Hell: The Terrible Truth
Hell is the forgotten word in American preaching.
Heaven is sometimes addressed. Hell almost never.
It seems like almost weekly I get a card advertising a new sermon series from one local church or another. Inevitably, the series is on one of four topics: sex, stress, marriage or parenting. Each of those is a valid concern and there is plenty of biblical guidance for each. But the Bible addresses other topics as well - more eternal topics. Ultimately, the Scripture communicates to us about ultimate things, eternal things.
There are only two ultimate destinations: heaven and hell.
Hell was not a marginal topic for Jesus. He mentioned it more than heaven. Of 1850 verses which record the words of Jesus, 13% are about hell. Over half of the parables are on the topic of God’s judgement. Clearly, Jesus was unafraid of the topic.
Jesus came to earth because of hell.
He has already seen hell. He has seen it’s flames and sensed it’s fury in that it was created by God as a dwelling for the devil and his fallen angels, the demons. Jesus also knew that people who separated from God will also be sentenced to hell at the final judgment.
Jesus birth, life and death comprise the greatest rescue mission of all time!
Jesus came to this earth not just to invite you to live in heaven but first to rescue you from hell. This is why the Bible refers to the new birth as being ‘saved.’ You can be saved from the wrath and judgment to come.
For more on how to be saved, see “The Good News” in the column to the right.
What did Jesus say about hell?
Jesus illustrated hell in one of His most famous teachings. It’s the story of “the rich man and Lazarus.” Luke 16:19-31. In this graphic story, we learn the following truths about hell:
Hell is a REAL place. (vs 23)
Hell is a TERRIBLE place. (v 23 ‘torment,’ v 24 ‘agony’)
Hell is a CONSCIOUS place. (v 23-24 ‘looked’ ‘saw’ ‘called’)
Hell is a PERMANENT place (v 26 - ‘great chasm fixed’)
Hell is an AVOIDABLE place (v 27-28)
It is interesting that the rich man in torment in hell was concerned for the eternal well-being of his brothers who were still alive on earth. People in hell deeply desire that their loved ones and friends avoid their fate. The inhabitants of hell hope and pray that those of us who know the gospel will tell their families before it’s too late.
There are no atheists in hell.
Who goes to hell?
Jesus tells us - following the most famous verse in the New Testament.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” John 3:16-18.
What lessons does hell teach us?
1. Hell highlights the holiness of God.
I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.
- Lev. 11:44
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
- Rev 4:8
But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. Mal 3:2
2. Hell vindicates the justice of God.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you. Ps 89:14
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Gal 6:7
3. Hell underscores the seriousness of sin.
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you. Isa 59:2
The wages of sin is death. Rom 6:23
4. Hell explains the harshness of the cross.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rom 5:8
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:21
5. Hell urges the necessity of witnessing.
At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked man, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.” Ez 3:16-18
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. 2 Cor 5:11
6. Hell stresses the urgency of decision.
"Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts."
Heb 4:7
If the Spirit of God is speaking to your heart today about being saved - escaping hell and enjoying heaven - see “The Good News” in the column to the right.
The topic of hell is the most sobering topic of the gospels and of the New Testament in general. The reality of eternal loss should be a powerful motivator both for your own decision of faith and your active prayerful witnessing to others.
Heaven is sometimes addressed. Hell almost never.
It seems like almost weekly I get a card advertising a new sermon series from one local church or another. Inevitably, the series is on one of four topics: sex, stress, marriage or parenting. Each of those is a valid concern and there is plenty of biblical guidance for each. But the Bible addresses other topics as well - more eternal topics. Ultimately, the Scripture communicates to us about ultimate things, eternal things.
There are only two ultimate destinations: heaven and hell.
Hell was not a marginal topic for Jesus. He mentioned it more than heaven. Of 1850 verses which record the words of Jesus, 13% are about hell. Over half of the parables are on the topic of God’s judgement. Clearly, Jesus was unafraid of the topic.
Jesus came to earth because of hell.
He has already seen hell. He has seen it’s flames and sensed it’s fury in that it was created by God as a dwelling for the devil and his fallen angels, the demons. Jesus also knew that people who separated from God will also be sentenced to hell at the final judgment.
Jesus birth, life and death comprise the greatest rescue mission of all time!
Jesus came to this earth not just to invite you to live in heaven but first to rescue you from hell. This is why the Bible refers to the new birth as being ‘saved.’ You can be saved from the wrath and judgment to come.
For more on how to be saved, see “The Good News” in the column to the right.
What did Jesus say about hell?
Jesus illustrated hell in one of His most famous teachings. It’s the story of “the rich man and Lazarus.” Luke 16:19-31. In this graphic story, we learn the following truths about hell:
Hell is a REAL place. (vs 23)
Hell is a TERRIBLE place. (v 23 ‘torment,’ v 24 ‘agony’)
Hell is a CONSCIOUS place. (v 23-24 ‘looked’ ‘saw’ ‘called’)
Hell is a PERMANENT place (v 26 - ‘great chasm fixed’)
Hell is an AVOIDABLE place (v 27-28)
It is interesting that the rich man in torment in hell was concerned for the eternal well-being of his brothers who were still alive on earth. People in hell deeply desire that their loved ones and friends avoid their fate. The inhabitants of hell hope and pray that those of us who know the gospel will tell their families before it’s too late.
There are no atheists in hell.
Who goes to hell?
Jesus tells us - following the most famous verse in the New Testament.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” John 3:16-18.
What lessons does hell teach us?
1. Hell highlights the holiness of God.
I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.
- Lev. 11:44
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
- Rev 4:8
But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. Mal 3:2
2. Hell vindicates the justice of God.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you. Ps 89:14
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Gal 6:7
3. Hell underscores the seriousness of sin.
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you. Isa 59:2
The wages of sin is death. Rom 6:23
4. Hell explains the harshness of the cross.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rom 5:8
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:21
5. Hell urges the necessity of witnessing.
At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked man, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood.” Ez 3:16-18
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. 2 Cor 5:11
6. Hell stresses the urgency of decision.
"Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts."
Heb 4:7
If the Spirit of God is speaking to your heart today about being saved - escaping hell and enjoying heaven - see “The Good News” in the column to the right.
The topic of hell is the most sobering topic of the gospels and of the New Testament in general. The reality of eternal loss should be a powerful motivator both for your own decision of faith and your active prayerful witnessing to others.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Easter 2008
Easter is the biggest day on the Christian calendar. Our faith rises or falls on the validity of the resurrection. The apostle Paul says it outright in 1 Cor 15. If there is no resurrection then our faith is in vain.
But the tomb was empty - there was a resurrection.
Easter answer’s the world’s oldest question.
If a man die, will he live again? Job 14:14
Easter solves the world’s oldest problem.
The death and resurrection - God’s solution for sin.
Easter proves that Jesus alone is Savior and Lord.
The apostle Peter gives us insight into 'the net net' of the Easter message.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV)
Two words open the meaning of Easter. Hope and Heaven. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, you can know: The Presence of Hope and the Promise of Heaven.
THE PRESENCE OF HOPE
Look at the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. In them, you see the ways that God comes to us with hope for living.
Jesus' first post-resurrection action was to comfort Mary Magdelene in her sorrow. Though she initially mistook him for the gardener, when Jesus spoke her name her fears and sorrows began to melt away. (John 20) Jesus wants to...
Comfort You When You Mourn
Further, He will...
Assure You When You Doubt
The next act of the resurrected Christ, also in John 20, was to have a personal appointment with Thomas the doubter. When told of Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to the disciples in the upper room, Thomas said that he did not believe it - and would not until he could see the nail pierced hands and put his own hand in the wound in Jesus' side. Amazingly, Jesus was so patient and gracious as to make a point of coming back to the upper room on day when Thomas was among the disciples - all to let Thomas deal with his doubts and renew his faith.
After visiting Thomas, Jesus had another personal appointment - this one with the one who boasted of his loyalty then denied him with an oath. Jesus visited Peter on a lake-shore early one morning not to rebuke Peter but to restore him. As a result, Peter went from a self-pitying drop-out to a vibrant and powerful leader of the church. He preached the first sermon of the New Testament church, he wrote parts of the New Testament and his preaching inspired the Gospel of Mark. The good news for you and me is that Easter means that Jesus will...
Restore You When You Fall
He then visited his closest friends, his disciples. He had a great commission for them - the challenge of telling this life-transforming story to the entire world. But the disciples were understandably exhausted. The events of the past few days had been draining. Besides, the task of world evangelism was far too great to accomplish with human strength and strategy - even with the batteries fully charged. So, Jesus told the disciples to sit tight and that soon he would fill them with the power of the Holy Spirit. He promised to....
Fill You When You are Empty
"You are witnesses of these things. (Jesus said) And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:48-50 "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 1:8
Why not pause right now and ask for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit? This promise is for you! Simply ask for the Holy Spirit to fill your life with His presence, power and guidance. Thank Him for filling you.
Save You When You Are Lost
The ultimate point of Jesus' perfect life, sacrificial death and miracle resurrection is that He wants to save you when you are lost! As was illustrated dramatically by the Damascus Road conversion of Saul, it is possible to be lost in religion. We most often think of people being lost in moral wickedness but it's possible to be far from God and yet very religious. There are many false religions designed to deceive!
Jesus said that he came to, "seek and to save those who are lost." (Luke 19:10).
Jesus death means you can be forgiven - His resurrection means that you can live forever in His grace.
THE PROMISE OF HEAVEN
In our key passage, I Peter 1:3-5, Peter says that the resurrection means not only the presence of hope for your life but also the promise of heaven.
Notice the key phrases in the text: "his great mercy" and "your faith" and "new birth."
By God's mercy you can have a new birth through your faith. You can have a new beginning. It's made possible by mercy. It is made yours by faith!
I pray that you will receive the resurrected Christ as your own Savior and Friend. When you reach out by faith, His mercy will rush to respond. All of your sins will be forgiven. You will be given a new life in Christ and the promise of heaven for your future.
If you want to know more about how you can have heaven for free, see the good news at the column to the right.
But the tomb was empty - there was a resurrection.
Easter answer’s the world’s oldest question.
If a man die, will he live again? Job 14:14
Easter solves the world’s oldest problem.
The death and resurrection - God’s solution for sin.
Easter proves that Jesus alone is Savior and Lord.
The apostle Peter gives us insight into 'the net net' of the Easter message.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV)
Two words open the meaning of Easter. Hope and Heaven. Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, you can know: The Presence of Hope and the Promise of Heaven.
THE PRESENCE OF HOPE
Look at the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. In them, you see the ways that God comes to us with hope for living.
Jesus' first post-resurrection action was to comfort Mary Magdelene in her sorrow. Though she initially mistook him for the gardener, when Jesus spoke her name her fears and sorrows began to melt away. (John 20) Jesus wants to...
Comfort You When You Mourn
Further, He will...
Assure You When You Doubt
The next act of the resurrected Christ, also in John 20, was to have a personal appointment with Thomas the doubter. When told of Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to the disciples in the upper room, Thomas said that he did not believe it - and would not until he could see the nail pierced hands and put his own hand in the wound in Jesus' side. Amazingly, Jesus was so patient and gracious as to make a point of coming back to the upper room on day when Thomas was among the disciples - all to let Thomas deal with his doubts and renew his faith.
After visiting Thomas, Jesus had another personal appointment - this one with the one who boasted of his loyalty then denied him with an oath. Jesus visited Peter on a lake-shore early one morning not to rebuke Peter but to restore him. As a result, Peter went from a self-pitying drop-out to a vibrant and powerful leader of the church. He preached the first sermon of the New Testament church, he wrote parts of the New Testament and his preaching inspired the Gospel of Mark. The good news for you and me is that Easter means that Jesus will...
Restore You When You Fall
He then visited his closest friends, his disciples. He had a great commission for them - the challenge of telling this life-transforming story to the entire world. But the disciples were understandably exhausted. The events of the past few days had been draining. Besides, the task of world evangelism was far too great to accomplish with human strength and strategy - even with the batteries fully charged. So, Jesus told the disciples to sit tight and that soon he would fill them with the power of the Holy Spirit. He promised to....
Fill You When You are Empty
"You are witnesses of these things. (Jesus said) And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Luke 24:48-50 "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 1:8
Why not pause right now and ask for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit? This promise is for you! Simply ask for the Holy Spirit to fill your life with His presence, power and guidance. Thank Him for filling you.
Save You When You Are Lost
The ultimate point of Jesus' perfect life, sacrificial death and miracle resurrection is that He wants to save you when you are lost! As was illustrated dramatically by the Damascus Road conversion of Saul, it is possible to be lost in religion. We most often think of people being lost in moral wickedness but it's possible to be far from God and yet very religious. There are many false religions designed to deceive!
Jesus said that he came to, "seek and to save those who are lost." (Luke 19:10).
Jesus death means you can be forgiven - His resurrection means that you can live forever in His grace.
THE PROMISE OF HEAVEN
In our key passage, I Peter 1:3-5, Peter says that the resurrection means not only the presence of hope for your life but also the promise of heaven.
Notice the key phrases in the text: "his great mercy" and "your faith" and "new birth."
By God's mercy you can have a new birth through your faith. You can have a new beginning. It's made possible by mercy. It is made yours by faith!
I pray that you will receive the resurrected Christ as your own Savior and Friend. When you reach out by faith, His mercy will rush to respond. All of your sins will be forgiven. You will be given a new life in Christ and the promise of heaven for your future.
If you want to know more about how you can have heaven for free, see the good news at the column to the right.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Spiritual Warfare, part 4.2
On Sunday, I concluded our Armor All series on spiritual warfare. To listen to the series online go to www.lifepointeindy.com then click on the sermons button at the bottom of the home page. To order a box set of CD’s of the Armor All series, contact Jenstormes@lifepointeindy.com.
Warfare Prayer, part two
Prayer is your final and most powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. Prayer is talking to God. God is the undefeated champion of the universe. So, talking with God and asking for His intervention is a smart move!
As we began seeing last week, the apostle Paul revealed seven warfare prayer secrets in Eph 6:18-19. We already studied the first three:
Pray in the Spirit
Pray on all occasions
Pray all kinds of prayers
Today, we continue with a study and application of the remaining four:
Be alert in prayer.
Be persistent in prayer.
Be praying for all believers.
Be praying for the advance of the gospel.
BE ALERT
Jesus and the apostles urge you to be watchful, alert and awake in prayer!
Getting a little sleepy, having your mind wander is an easy thing to have happen in prayer, just ask Jesus’ closest friends! He took Peter, James and John with Him to the the Mount of Olives on the night that He was betrayed. There Jesus was going to have an intense prayer time with His Father. Jesus wanted these three men to be supporting Him in prayer. Specifically, He said to them, “watch and pray so that you do not fall into temptation.” Unfortunately for them, they fell asleep on the job. Three times!
Sometime later, the apostle Peter (no doubt still well remembering that fateful night on the Mount of Olives) wrote these words,
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
Being awake and alert is important to your success in spiritual warfare prayer. Why? Because you become aware of danger or even attack by observing people. You know how to do this in the physical realm. You know how to look around before you walk into a parking lot at night. You know how to see and avoid people that look to be up to no good. The same principle applies in spiritual things. You can see and hear when something is not exactly right. You can hear it the voice, see it in the expression of a person. You can sense that your child is in danger or is involved in something that isn’t quite right. You can see when your spouse is changing somehow. With practice, you can even sense in your own spirit the still small voice of God giving you insight or instruction.
Here’s an example from the book of Genesis:
Then the cupbearer and the baker for the king of Egypt, who were confined in jail, both had a dream the same night, each man with his own dream and each dream with its own interpretation. When Joseph came to them in the morning and observed them, behold, they were dejected. He asked Pharaoh's officials who were with him in confinement in his master's house, “Why are your faces so sad today?" Then they said to him, "We have had a dream and there is no one to interpret it " Then Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell it to me, please." Gen 40:5-8
It was by simply observing then asking a caring question that Joseph opened an opportunity to use his ministry gifts.
Jesus once said this to his disciples:
“You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.” John 4:35
We even have a saying, “wake up and smell the coffee.” It usually means in part, you need to open your eyes to something obvious about your situation.
The scripture says that you can have God-given ‘discernment’ about spiritual matters.
You have not because you ask not. Ask the Lord, “help me understand what is going on here.” Ask Him, “help me understand what I am seeing/hearing AND how I should be praying about this.” The point of knowing about it is that you can pray about it!
Jesus wants to say to you what He said to His followers, “wake up!”
BE PERSISTENT
The Greek word used for “keep on” or “continue” is only used here in the New Testament. But it comes from a word that is often used directly in relation to devotion and persistence in prayer.
Why do you need to “keep on praying?” Why not just pray once and be done with it?
A most insightful passage is found in the book of Daniel. Daniel was a major prophet who lived in what is now Iran. The people of God was being held captive there. One time, Daniel was given a prophetic dream but did not fully understand it’s meaning. He prayed and mourned and entered into a limited fast. Still he had no answer. This went on for three weeks. At the end of three weeks, an incredible angelic being appeared before him to bring him the message of God found in the dream. Here is part of what the angel said to Daniel:
“Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.” Dan 10:12-13 (NLT)
The Lord allows us in this passage to look beyond the visible. Here we see that there is more happening than meets the eye. There is an unseen realm and a fierce battle rages there. The angel says that the answer to Daniel’s prayer was help up in transit for 21 days by a demonic force.
If I had to guess I’d say that Daniel, a major prophet, had major prayer power. Yet it took 21 days of persistent prayer and fasting for answer to come through.
Like you, I know people who have prayed for months and years for loved ones and close friends who need a touch from God. It’s easy to finally give up. Don’t give up!
Be persistent! The word of God gives this promise:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Gal 6:9
PRAY FOR ALL BELIEVERS
It’s too tempting for all prayer to be focussed on our own needs and our own families. These are priorities for sure. You are the spiritual stewards of your own souls and the shepherds of those for whom you have been given responsibility. Of course you should pray for your needs and those of your family. But it’s too easy to stop there.
In the realm of spiritual warfare especially, it’s important to know that we are in this together. We have to have each others’ backs, spiritually. You might think of prayer as having expanding circles, like ripples in a lake. It starts at home but it reaches out to friends, neighbors, fellow church members, work associates, those in the community and beyond. Many people subscribe to missionary newsletters or to Voice of the Martyrs newsletter (found at www.persecution.com). These can give you names and insight into how to pray. You may be aware of missionaries that your church supports. Or you may know of an area where you church does missions work. Even if you do not know the names of people there you can still pray for God to be preparing hearts there.
PRAY FOR THE ADANCE OF THE GOSPEL
“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Eph 6:19-20
The ultimate issue in spiritual warfare is the souls of people. It’s about heaven and hell. It’s about life and death eternally. There may be a lot of battles and skirmishes along the way in spiritual warfare, some of them quite fierce, on a variety of fronts. But the war is about the advance of the gospel. It’s about taking territory that rightfully belongs to the King but has been stolen by the evil one. This territory involves culture, education, government, religion, entertainment, medicine, and worldview. It involves portions of your life, emotions, lifestyle, finances, marriage, children and more. The devil is out to steal it all. The territory even involves your spiritual life and spiritual development, maturity and discipline. The devil want it all stopped. Battles are to be waged on all of these fronts and many others. But they are all about the ultimate prize: the souls of people.
Note this important passage on warfare prayer:
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim 2:1-4
The ‘net net’ of this prayer is this: God, get the government off of our backs so we can preach the gospel and people can be saved.
I’ll not go into politics here except to say that this prayer is as important to pray today in America as it was in the Rome of Nero’s day.
IF WE WILL PRAY, GOD WILL HEAL
The bottom line take away from these past two weeks on warfare prayer is quite simple: you need fight in prayer for what matters most.
One of my favorite prayer promptings is this:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14
You, my friends, are fully blessed, completely secure, totally equipped and destined to win in this fight over spiritual progress and the success of the gospel. I pray that you will fight the good fight with all spiritual confidence that you are more than a conquerer in Jesus Christ our Lord!
Warfare Prayer, part two
Prayer is your final and most powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. Prayer is talking to God. God is the undefeated champion of the universe. So, talking with God and asking for His intervention is a smart move!
As we began seeing last week, the apostle Paul revealed seven warfare prayer secrets in Eph 6:18-19. We already studied the first three:
Pray in the Spirit
Pray on all occasions
Pray all kinds of prayers
Today, we continue with a study and application of the remaining four:
Be alert in prayer.
Be persistent in prayer.
Be praying for all believers.
Be praying for the advance of the gospel.
BE ALERT
Jesus and the apostles urge you to be watchful, alert and awake in prayer!
Getting a little sleepy, having your mind wander is an easy thing to have happen in prayer, just ask Jesus’ closest friends! He took Peter, James and John with Him to the the Mount of Olives on the night that He was betrayed. There Jesus was going to have an intense prayer time with His Father. Jesus wanted these three men to be supporting Him in prayer. Specifically, He said to them, “watch and pray so that you do not fall into temptation.” Unfortunately for them, they fell asleep on the job. Three times!
Sometime later, the apostle Peter (no doubt still well remembering that fateful night on the Mount of Olives) wrote these words,
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
Being awake and alert is important to your success in spiritual warfare prayer. Why? Because you become aware of danger or even attack by observing people. You know how to do this in the physical realm. You know how to look around before you walk into a parking lot at night. You know how to see and avoid people that look to be up to no good. The same principle applies in spiritual things. You can see and hear when something is not exactly right. You can hear it the voice, see it in the expression of a person. You can sense that your child is in danger or is involved in something that isn’t quite right. You can see when your spouse is changing somehow. With practice, you can even sense in your own spirit the still small voice of God giving you insight or instruction.
Here’s an example from the book of Genesis:
Then the cupbearer and the baker for the king of Egypt, who were confined in jail, both had a dream the same night, each man with his own dream and each dream with its own interpretation. When Joseph came to them in the morning and observed them, behold, they were dejected. He asked Pharaoh's officials who were with him in confinement in his master's house, “Why are your faces so sad today?" Then they said to him, "We have had a dream and there is no one to interpret it " Then Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell it to me, please." Gen 40:5-8
It was by simply observing then asking a caring question that Joseph opened an opportunity to use his ministry gifts.
Jesus once said this to his disciples:
“You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.” John 4:35
We even have a saying, “wake up and smell the coffee.” It usually means in part, you need to open your eyes to something obvious about your situation.
The scripture says that you can have God-given ‘discernment’ about spiritual matters.
You have not because you ask not. Ask the Lord, “help me understand what is going on here.” Ask Him, “help me understand what I am seeing/hearing AND how I should be praying about this.” The point of knowing about it is that you can pray about it!
Jesus wants to say to you what He said to His followers, “wake up!”
BE PERSISTENT
The Greek word used for “keep on” or “continue” is only used here in the New Testament. But it comes from a word that is often used directly in relation to devotion and persistence in prayer.
Why do you need to “keep on praying?” Why not just pray once and be done with it?
A most insightful passage is found in the book of Daniel. Daniel was a major prophet who lived in what is now Iran. The people of God was being held captive there. One time, Daniel was given a prophetic dream but did not fully understand it’s meaning. He prayed and mourned and entered into a limited fast. Still he had no answer. This went on for three weeks. At the end of three weeks, an incredible angelic being appeared before him to bring him the message of God found in the dream. Here is part of what the angel said to Daniel:
“Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.” Dan 10:12-13 (NLT)
The Lord allows us in this passage to look beyond the visible. Here we see that there is more happening than meets the eye. There is an unseen realm and a fierce battle rages there. The angel says that the answer to Daniel’s prayer was help up in transit for 21 days by a demonic force.
If I had to guess I’d say that Daniel, a major prophet, had major prayer power. Yet it took 21 days of persistent prayer and fasting for answer to come through.
Like you, I know people who have prayed for months and years for loved ones and close friends who need a touch from God. It’s easy to finally give up. Don’t give up!
Be persistent! The word of God gives this promise:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Gal 6:9
PRAY FOR ALL BELIEVERS
It’s too tempting for all prayer to be focussed on our own needs and our own families. These are priorities for sure. You are the spiritual stewards of your own souls and the shepherds of those for whom you have been given responsibility. Of course you should pray for your needs and those of your family. But it’s too easy to stop there.
In the realm of spiritual warfare especially, it’s important to know that we are in this together. We have to have each others’ backs, spiritually. You might think of prayer as having expanding circles, like ripples in a lake. It starts at home but it reaches out to friends, neighbors, fellow church members, work associates, those in the community and beyond. Many people subscribe to missionary newsletters or to Voice of the Martyrs newsletter (found at www.persecution.com). These can give you names and insight into how to pray. You may be aware of missionaries that your church supports. Or you may know of an area where you church does missions work. Even if you do not know the names of people there you can still pray for God to be preparing hearts there.
PRAY FOR THE ADANCE OF THE GOSPEL
“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Eph 6:19-20
The ultimate issue in spiritual warfare is the souls of people. It’s about heaven and hell. It’s about life and death eternally. There may be a lot of battles and skirmishes along the way in spiritual warfare, some of them quite fierce, on a variety of fronts. But the war is about the advance of the gospel. It’s about taking territory that rightfully belongs to the King but has been stolen by the evil one. This territory involves culture, education, government, religion, entertainment, medicine, and worldview. It involves portions of your life, emotions, lifestyle, finances, marriage, children and more. The devil is out to steal it all. The territory even involves your spiritual life and spiritual development, maturity and discipline. The devil want it all stopped. Battles are to be waged on all of these fronts and many others. But they are all about the ultimate prize: the souls of people.
Note this important passage on warfare prayer:
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim 2:1-4
The ‘net net’ of this prayer is this: God, get the government off of our backs so we can preach the gospel and people can be saved.
I’ll not go into politics here except to say that this prayer is as important to pray today in America as it was in the Rome of Nero’s day.
IF WE WILL PRAY, GOD WILL HEAL
The bottom line take away from these past two weeks on warfare prayer is quite simple: you need fight in prayer for what matters most.
One of my favorite prayer promptings is this:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14
You, my friends, are fully blessed, completely secure, totally equipped and destined to win in this fight over spiritual progress and the success of the gospel. I pray that you will fight the good fight with all spiritual confidence that you are more than a conquerer in Jesus Christ our Lord!
Spiritual Warfare, part 4.1
This past Sunday at Lifepointe Church in Carmel, IN, I continued in our “Armor All” series on spiritual warfare. I intended the message to be the fourth and final message but I only made it part way through the text so I will complete the message next week.
PRAYER - THE ULTIMATE WEAPON
In Eph 6:10-20 the apostle Paul presents seven essentials to victory in spiritual warfare. Last week we studied six of them: truth, righteousness, salvation, faith, the word of God, and the gospel. The final, and I believe ultimate weapon, is that of prayer.
It is important to notice that ‘warfare prayer’ is a weapon that is used AFTER you have ‘put on the full armor of God.’ The armor is a representation of Jesus Himself. The armor is a description of Him: He is the Truth, He is our Righteousness, He is our Salvation, He is the object of our Faith, He is the Word of God incarnate, Jesus person and work is the Gospel. It is after you are securely ‘in Christ’ that you become dangerous as a prayer warrior.
Jesus once took his closest disciples onto a high mountain, referred to in this context as ‘the mount of transfiguration.’ Upon descending the mountain, Jesus and his inner circle discovered the other disciples frustrated at their inability to deal with a demonic spirit that was causing a young child to have epileptic like symptoms as well as tossing him into open flames. Jesus responded later, “this type only comes out by prayer.”
You will probably not be involved in casting out demons in your daily Christian life but the principle applies: prayer is essential to defeating the devil.
So let’s see what the apostle teaches about prayer in our key text, Eph 6:18-20.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
See that there are seven aspects of warfare prayer (in red). I want to explore the first three with you now - and the last four next week.
WARFARE PRAYER requires that you:
PRAY IN THE SPIRIT
PRAY ON ALL OCCASIONS
PRAY ALL KINDS OF PRAYER
PRAY IN THE SPIRIT
Every true follower of Christ is indwelled by the Holy Spirit but not every Christ-follow is living a Spirit-filled life. In fact, in this same book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul tells you to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18). That means that you must daily yield your life to the Lord and allow His Spirit to fill and lead your life.
When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you can become mighty in prayer!
Jesus promises that He will fill you with His Holy Spirit if you will just ask.
"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" - Luke 11:9-13
Why not stop now and ask the Lord to fill you afresh with His Holy Spirit?
Being filled with the Holy Spirit allows you to tap into the powerful reality of Spirit-led prayer. And Spirit-assisted prayer. Here is how it is described in the Bible.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. - Rom 8:26-27
You have probably had experiences where you really had no idea how you should pray. The situation was so confusing, or scary, or emotionally charged, or in some way not totally understood that you had no confidence in how to pray. One answer is to just tell the Holy Spirit that you don’t know how to pray for this situation and ask Him to pray for you. You can just rest quietly, thankfully, assured that the Spirit is interceding for you.
Sometimes the Holy Spirit will give you leadership in how to pray. He will call to your mind and spirit some direction in prayer. When you follow His lead, He will often take you to some prayer destinations that you may have never visited on your own.
ON ALL OCCASIONS
Did you notice this phrase, “on all occasions?” It answers a very basic question, “is this the right occasion in which to pray?” The answer is always yes!
ALL KINDS OF PRAYERS
The Bible is full of prayers. The most common kinds of prayers are prayers of praise, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, request, and intercession. Someone has used the acrostic A-C-T-S to help you remember a simple prayer pattern.
A - Adoration (praise)
C - Confession
T - Thanksgiving
S - Supplication (asking)
Jesus also gave us a prayer pattern. It is usually known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” You may have it memorized and have almost certainly heard it read or repeated in worship.
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matt 6:9-13
This prayer pattern is extremely significant. First, Jesus Himself told us to “pray in this way.” Second, it is an all encompassing pattern. Third, it goes to the key issues in spiritual warfare. The key is to use this prayer as a pattern, a subject guide rather than as words to quote (though quoting the prayer has its own meaning). Here is the pattern:
1. Praise
2. Pray for the agenda of God’s Kingdom, God’s will to be made manifest.
3. Ask for daily provisions - the practical needs of life.
4. Deal with forgiveness issues - getting your own - giving it as necessary.
5. Ask for strength to turn away from temptation.
6. Ask for protection from evil.
7. Affirm the greatness and eternal nature of God and His Kingdom.
One thought on this warfare prayer pattern. Dealing with forgiveness issues is often at the crux of spiritual warfare. Unforgiveness leads to bitterness and bitterness destroys faith and fellowship.
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Heb 12:14-15
Further, immediately following ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ in Matthew 6 is these sobering verses: For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matt 6:14-15.
Forgiveness is essential. You must know that God has forgiven you. You must do the hard work of forgiving others. Without forgiveness, you will remain stranded spiritually, emotionally and relationally. Forgiveness is at the core of Christianity.
Here is great news, you can be completely forgiven!
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
PRAYER - THE ULTIMATE WEAPON
In Eph 6:10-20 the apostle Paul presents seven essentials to victory in spiritual warfare. Last week we studied six of them: truth, righteousness, salvation, faith, the word of God, and the gospel. The final, and I believe ultimate weapon, is that of prayer.
It is important to notice that ‘warfare prayer’ is a weapon that is used AFTER you have ‘put on the full armor of God.’ The armor is a representation of Jesus Himself. The armor is a description of Him: He is the Truth, He is our Righteousness, He is our Salvation, He is the object of our Faith, He is the Word of God incarnate, Jesus person and work is the Gospel. It is after you are securely ‘in Christ’ that you become dangerous as a prayer warrior.
Jesus once took his closest disciples onto a high mountain, referred to in this context as ‘the mount of transfiguration.’ Upon descending the mountain, Jesus and his inner circle discovered the other disciples frustrated at their inability to deal with a demonic spirit that was causing a young child to have epileptic like symptoms as well as tossing him into open flames. Jesus responded later, “this type only comes out by prayer.”
You will probably not be involved in casting out demons in your daily Christian life but the principle applies: prayer is essential to defeating the devil.
So let’s see what the apostle teaches about prayer in our key text, Eph 6:18-20.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
See that there are seven aspects of warfare prayer (in red). I want to explore the first three with you now - and the last four next week.
WARFARE PRAYER requires that you:
PRAY IN THE SPIRIT
PRAY ON ALL OCCASIONS
PRAY ALL KINDS OF PRAYER
PRAY IN THE SPIRIT
Every true follower of Christ is indwelled by the Holy Spirit but not every Christ-follow is living a Spirit-filled life. In fact, in this same book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul tells you to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18). That means that you must daily yield your life to the Lord and allow His Spirit to fill and lead your life.
When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you can become mighty in prayer!
Jesus promises that He will fill you with His Holy Spirit if you will just ask.
"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" - Luke 11:9-13
Why not stop now and ask the Lord to fill you afresh with His Holy Spirit?
Being filled with the Holy Spirit allows you to tap into the powerful reality of Spirit-led prayer. And Spirit-assisted prayer. Here is how it is described in the Bible.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. - Rom 8:26-27
You have probably had experiences where you really had no idea how you should pray. The situation was so confusing, or scary, or emotionally charged, or in some way not totally understood that you had no confidence in how to pray. One answer is to just tell the Holy Spirit that you don’t know how to pray for this situation and ask Him to pray for you. You can just rest quietly, thankfully, assured that the Spirit is interceding for you.
Sometimes the Holy Spirit will give you leadership in how to pray. He will call to your mind and spirit some direction in prayer. When you follow His lead, He will often take you to some prayer destinations that you may have never visited on your own.
ON ALL OCCASIONS
Did you notice this phrase, “on all occasions?” It answers a very basic question, “is this the right occasion in which to pray?” The answer is always yes!
ALL KINDS OF PRAYERS
The Bible is full of prayers. The most common kinds of prayers are prayers of praise, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, request, and intercession. Someone has used the acrostic A-C-T-S to help you remember a simple prayer pattern.
A - Adoration (praise)
C - Confession
T - Thanksgiving
S - Supplication (asking)
Jesus also gave us a prayer pattern. It is usually known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” You may have it memorized and have almost certainly heard it read or repeated in worship.
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matt 6:9-13
This prayer pattern is extremely significant. First, Jesus Himself told us to “pray in this way.” Second, it is an all encompassing pattern. Third, it goes to the key issues in spiritual warfare. The key is to use this prayer as a pattern, a subject guide rather than as words to quote (though quoting the prayer has its own meaning). Here is the pattern:
1. Praise
2. Pray for the agenda of God’s Kingdom, God’s will to be made manifest.
3. Ask for daily provisions - the practical needs of life.
4. Deal with forgiveness issues - getting your own - giving it as necessary.
5. Ask for strength to turn away from temptation.
6. Ask for protection from evil.
7. Affirm the greatness and eternal nature of God and His Kingdom.
One thought on this warfare prayer pattern. Dealing with forgiveness issues is often at the crux of spiritual warfare. Unforgiveness leads to bitterness and bitterness destroys faith and fellowship.
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Heb 12:14-15
Further, immediately following ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ in Matthew 6 is these sobering verses: For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matt 6:14-15.
Forgiveness is essential. You must know that God has forgiven you. You must do the hard work of forgiving others. Without forgiveness, you will remain stranded spiritually, emotionally and relationally. Forgiveness is at the core of Christianity.
Here is great news, you can be completely forgiven!
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Spiritual Warfare, part 3
Sunday at Lifepointe Church in Carmel, IN, I continued the message series on spiritual warfare called Armor All. This is message three in the series and focuses on the ‘full armor of God.’ You can hear the message at www.lifepointeindy.com.
THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD
Just beyond the visible is an invisible world, the spirit world. Just as cell phone signals, radio and television signals are traveling through your home right now, so there is an invisible but real spirit world all around you. God dwells - and rules - in the world of the spirit. Angels also are keeping watch just beyond the visible. But so too are the fallen angels which are called demons and their ruler who is the devil.
The devil and his demons are no match for the True and Living God! But they are determined to oppose all that is of Christ, at least until their time is up.
KEY INSIGHTS
An important as to the nature and goals of the devil in spiritual warfare is what is commonly referred to as, ‘the temptation of Christ.’ The encounter is described in the Gospel of Luke, 4:1-13. I want you to notice two things about the nature of the devil’s attacks:
The Devil Attacks Identity.
Notice that twice in this temptation, the Devil says to Jesus, “if you are the Son of God.”
Now, of course Jesus was the Son of God! Yet, the Devil was brazen enough to try to get Jesus to doubt who was. He does the same thing with you. Spiritual warfare often involves self-doubt. Satan plants seeds of doubt: “if you really are Christian, you would not have done that, said that, thought that.” “You are losing your youthfulness, your husband is losing interest.” “If you were a good parent, you would have...” “You are not the kind of person God can use.” On it goes. Attacks on your identity as a person and as a Christian.
Please be sure to go back to last week’s message and see the wonderful truths about who you are as a believer ‘in Christ.’
The Devil Attacks Christ-likeness.
You are destined to be more and more like Jesus. That is God’s design for every Christ-follower.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. - Rom 8:29
That incredible goal for your life infuriates the devil. He is out to thwart your progress toward Christ-likeness. Christlikeness is manifest in two things:
The Character of Christ, and
The Cause of Christ.
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST
So, the devil fights the formation of Christ’s character in you. He does so by tempting you to lay aside the teaching of the Bible and the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the small voice of your conscience in order to get involved in sinful behavior or speech.
The scripture urges you to fight for the formation of Christ’s character in your life:
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Eph 4:21-24 (NLT)
Let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Rom 13:12
The Apostle makes it clear that Christian character is in itself armor for the battle.
But the main reason that the devil opposes character formation in your life is because of a larger goal: he does not want you to participate in the cause of Christ.
THE CAUSE OF CHRIST
What is the cause of Christ? I suppose that we could list many things but I believe the essence of His cause can be summed up in four statements:
Jesus has come to set the captives free!
Jesus has come to destroy the works of the devil!
Jesus has come to give eternal life to people from every nation!
Jesus has come to establish a radiant Church which gives glory to God!
See Luke 4:18-19, I John 3:8, Matt 28:18-20, Eph 5:25-27
How do you fight back and win in this world of spiritual warfare?
SEVEN ESSENTIALS TO SPIRITUAL VICTORY
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - Eph 6:10-18
Here are the seven essentials to spiritual victory: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God and prayer. (Next week’s message is dedicated to prayer).
Consider each of the seven and how they help assure spiritual victory.
TRUTH -- Jesus said, ‘you shall know the truth and truth will set you free.’ (John 8:32)
The freedom you desire in any area begins with God’s Truth. Here is a sad reality, we constantly speak to ourselves - and often tell ourselves things that are not true! They are just idle speculations and imaginations, fears and doubts - often not confirmed by any objective evidence. The devil also deals in lies, he is the father of lies (John 8:44).
The way to combat lies is with truth! Know and use the truth.
RIGHTEOUSNESS -- today, many believe that righteousness is not necessary. Others believe that self-righteousness is all that is needed. Many others believe that what is needed is a church-based righteousness. But what the Bible teaches is that you need a righteousness that is not your own, but a righteousness is Christ’s and can be applied to your life by faith (Rom 3:22). Your victory over the devil and judgment is based upon the right standing you have with God based upon faith in Jesus work on the cross.
THE GOSPEL -- The heart beat of Jesus is found in Luke 19:10, one of the most important verses in the Bible. “I have come to seek and to save those who are lost.” People come to know Jesus, they are ‘saved’ from the wrath of God in judgment and given in exchange ‘eternal life,’ as a result of believing the gospel - that is, the story of who Jesus is and what he has done for us on the cross. (See John 3:16, Rom 1:16) A huge demonic goal therefore is to silence the gospel message. The application is transparent: every time a believer has the opportunity to witness and does not, the devil wins...and every time the believer shares the faith with another, the devil loses. It’s not mysterious or spooky - the gospel defeats the devil.
FAITH -- “Without faith, it is impossible to please God,” Heb 11:6. “This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith,” 1 John 5:4 “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one,” Eph 6:16. Faith is the most important aspect of Christian living! It acquires salvation, defeats the devil and accomplishes the impossible! So, as I have previously said, the ultimate goal of the devil is to destroy your faith! Listen to this and mark it down, every time that you emerge from a temptation, a storm, a set-back, a hurt or disappointment or illness or loss or offense and your faith is still intact - you win and devil loses!! This the message of the Old Testament book of Job. The devil said that Job would have faith only so long as everything turned up roses. When Job kept his faith even after devastating loss, the devil was done. Keep the faith is more than a saying - it is the core essential to spiritual victory!
THE WORD OF GOD - The bible has been attacked throughout the centuries and it is being attacked today. When you know God’s Word, obey God’s Word, trust God’s Word, and use God’s Word in sharing life with others, you win! It is by hiding God’s Word in your heart that you build a defense against the devil (Ps 119:9-11).
SALVATION - “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!” (Rom 8:1)
Your ultimate and eternal victory is in the salvation provided through faith in Jesus Christ. You may have many set backs and disappointments in your journey of faith, just like most all who have gone before you, but you simply cannot lose when you know that you are saved by faith. This is the essential assurance that makes way for every other confidence in spiritual living. Do you know for sure that you have been saved by faith? Do you know without a doubt that heaven is your eternal home? If not, you can know today! You can experience the love and forgiveness of God right now! Just look to the right panel of this page. Read the good news of the gospel and pray the prayer at the end by faith! You will be forever changed, blessed and loved! Do it now, don’t wait!
When you do, let me know. Write to me at woody@lifepointeindy.com. I will send you some bible study material that will encourage your heart and ignite your spiritual journey.
17 The seventy-two disciples returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." 18 Jesus replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:17-20
THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD
Just beyond the visible is an invisible world, the spirit world. Just as cell phone signals, radio and television signals are traveling through your home right now, so there is an invisible but real spirit world all around you. God dwells - and rules - in the world of the spirit. Angels also are keeping watch just beyond the visible. But so too are the fallen angels which are called demons and their ruler who is the devil.
The devil and his demons are no match for the True and Living God! But they are determined to oppose all that is of Christ, at least until their time is up.
KEY INSIGHTS
An important as to the nature and goals of the devil in spiritual warfare is what is commonly referred to as, ‘the temptation of Christ.’ The encounter is described in the Gospel of Luke, 4:1-13. I want you to notice two things about the nature of the devil’s attacks:
The Devil Attacks Identity.
Notice that twice in this temptation, the Devil says to Jesus, “if you are the Son of God.”
Now, of course Jesus was the Son of God! Yet, the Devil was brazen enough to try to get Jesus to doubt who was. He does the same thing with you. Spiritual warfare often involves self-doubt. Satan plants seeds of doubt: “if you really are Christian, you would not have done that, said that, thought that.” “You are losing your youthfulness, your husband is losing interest.” “If you were a good parent, you would have...” “You are not the kind of person God can use.” On it goes. Attacks on your identity as a person and as a Christian.
Please be sure to go back to last week’s message and see the wonderful truths about who you are as a believer ‘in Christ.’
The Devil Attacks Christ-likeness.
You are destined to be more and more like Jesus. That is God’s design for every Christ-follower.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. - Rom 8:29
That incredible goal for your life infuriates the devil. He is out to thwart your progress toward Christ-likeness. Christlikeness is manifest in two things:
The Character of Christ, and
The Cause of Christ.
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST
So, the devil fights the formation of Christ’s character in you. He does so by tempting you to lay aside the teaching of the Bible and the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the small voice of your conscience in order to get involved in sinful behavior or speech.
The scripture urges you to fight for the formation of Christ’s character in your life:
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Eph 4:21-24 (NLT)
Let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Rom 13:12
The Apostle makes it clear that Christian character is in itself armor for the battle.
But the main reason that the devil opposes character formation in your life is because of a larger goal: he does not want you to participate in the cause of Christ.
THE CAUSE OF CHRIST
What is the cause of Christ? I suppose that we could list many things but I believe the essence of His cause can be summed up in four statements:
Jesus has come to set the captives free!
Jesus has come to destroy the works of the devil!
Jesus has come to give eternal life to people from every nation!
Jesus has come to establish a radiant Church which gives glory to God!
See Luke 4:18-19, I John 3:8, Matt 28:18-20, Eph 5:25-27
How do you fight back and win in this world of spiritual warfare?
SEVEN ESSENTIALS TO SPIRITUAL VICTORY
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - Eph 6:10-18
Here are the seven essentials to spiritual victory: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God and prayer. (Next week’s message is dedicated to prayer).
Consider each of the seven and how they help assure spiritual victory.
TRUTH -- Jesus said, ‘you shall know the truth and truth will set you free.’ (John 8:32)
The freedom you desire in any area begins with God’s Truth. Here is a sad reality, we constantly speak to ourselves - and often tell ourselves things that are not true! They are just idle speculations and imaginations, fears and doubts - often not confirmed by any objective evidence. The devil also deals in lies, he is the father of lies (John 8:44).
The way to combat lies is with truth! Know and use the truth.
RIGHTEOUSNESS -- today, many believe that righteousness is not necessary. Others believe that self-righteousness is all that is needed. Many others believe that what is needed is a church-based righteousness. But what the Bible teaches is that you need a righteousness that is not your own, but a righteousness is Christ’s and can be applied to your life by faith (Rom 3:22). Your victory over the devil and judgment is based upon the right standing you have with God based upon faith in Jesus work on the cross.
THE GOSPEL -- The heart beat of Jesus is found in Luke 19:10, one of the most important verses in the Bible. “I have come to seek and to save those who are lost.” People come to know Jesus, they are ‘saved’ from the wrath of God in judgment and given in exchange ‘eternal life,’ as a result of believing the gospel - that is, the story of who Jesus is and what he has done for us on the cross. (See John 3:16, Rom 1:16) A huge demonic goal therefore is to silence the gospel message. The application is transparent: every time a believer has the opportunity to witness and does not, the devil wins...and every time the believer shares the faith with another, the devil loses. It’s not mysterious or spooky - the gospel defeats the devil.
FAITH -- “Without faith, it is impossible to please God,” Heb 11:6. “This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith,” 1 John 5:4 “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one,” Eph 6:16. Faith is the most important aspect of Christian living! It acquires salvation, defeats the devil and accomplishes the impossible! So, as I have previously said, the ultimate goal of the devil is to destroy your faith! Listen to this and mark it down, every time that you emerge from a temptation, a storm, a set-back, a hurt or disappointment or illness or loss or offense and your faith is still intact - you win and devil loses!! This the message of the Old Testament book of Job. The devil said that Job would have faith only so long as everything turned up roses. When Job kept his faith even after devastating loss, the devil was done. Keep the faith is more than a saying - it is the core essential to spiritual victory!
THE WORD OF GOD - The bible has been attacked throughout the centuries and it is being attacked today. When you know God’s Word, obey God’s Word, trust God’s Word, and use God’s Word in sharing life with others, you win! It is by hiding God’s Word in your heart that you build a defense against the devil (Ps 119:9-11).
SALVATION - “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!” (Rom 8:1)
Your ultimate and eternal victory is in the salvation provided through faith in Jesus Christ. You may have many set backs and disappointments in your journey of faith, just like most all who have gone before you, but you simply cannot lose when you know that you are saved by faith. This is the essential assurance that makes way for every other confidence in spiritual living. Do you know for sure that you have been saved by faith? Do you know without a doubt that heaven is your eternal home? If not, you can know today! You can experience the love and forgiveness of God right now! Just look to the right panel of this page. Read the good news of the gospel and pray the prayer at the end by faith! You will be forever changed, blessed and loved! Do it now, don’t wait!
When you do, let me know. Write to me at woody@lifepointeindy.com. I will send you some bible study material that will encourage your heart and ignite your spiritual journey.
17 The seventy-two disciples returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." 18 Jesus replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:17-20
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Spiritual Warfare, part 2
"Be Strong in the Lord and His mighty Power!" This was the theme of the message on Sunday at Lifepointe Church in Carmel, IN. Here are notes designed to reinforce the teaching. May the Lord bless you as you use these for personal growth and ministry!
The devil and demons are just as real as Jesus and angels.
The devil is introduced in the first book of the bible – demons are throughout the gospels. The existence of the devil and demons, not as symbols of evil but as real creatures, is clearly established in the Bible.
Jesus had many personal encounters with demons. At least once, He was confronted, tempted, by the devil himself. You can read about it in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 4.
The Lord has shown me three key lessons from this encounter:
1. The Devil opposes the Person of Jesus.
2. The Devil opposes the Ministry of Jesus.
3. The Devil opposes every ‘next step’ of faith!
The devil will oppose every decision you make to go further in your life of faith. This opposition could manifest in any number of ways, perhaps a criticism from a friend, an offending event, a strong temptation, a sudden crisis or illness. Whatever it takes to discourage or distract you from God’s purpose in your life. It is when you are stepping up spiritually that you can expect push back from the devil.
THIS CONFLICT is called SPIRITUAL WARFARE
The KEY TEXT on spiritual warfare is EPH 6:10-20. Turn there now in your Bible. These notes explore the meaning of these verses for our lives.
This text reveals a STRUGGLE and a STRATEGY.
OUR STRUGGLE
The apostle reveals by the Holy Spirit that there is an unseen spiritual world just beyond the visible. In that world reside both angels of light and demons of darkness. But don’t be fooled by non-biblical teaching: these forces of light and darkness are in no way equal. The Lord God Almighty reigns! Jesus Christ is the victor over every form of evil. He is the undefeated champion of love!
Still, the Bible makes it clear that there is a dark and organized plot to disrupt, distract, discourage and defeat the cause of Christ and every Christ-follower. The battle is real and all the more as the evil one senses that his time is short!
I want you to notice: One important word and Two important phrases
The Important Word: (v 12) – DARKNESS
The habitat of the demonic is DARKNESS -- moral darkness, emotional darkness, spiritual darkness. Beware! If you choose to go to a dark place in your life, you are inviting the company of evil!
IMPORTANT TRUTH about BELIEVERS:
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. Col 1:13
You have received a transfer! Your spiritual address has changed!
Spiritual warfare is about staying at home spiritually!
This is what it means to ‘stand.’ The word is used three times in our key text. It means that you are to not be moved from your faith, you are to stay at home spiritually.
Two Big Phrases that are descriptive of OUR STRUGGLE:
1. The Forces of Evil (v 12)
2. The Day of Evil (v 13)
THE SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL (v 12)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Eph 6:12
RULERS refers to leadership within the demonic world
AUTHORITIES refers to demons that have been given authority or power or influence.
POWERS OF THIS DARK WORLD refers to demons who have a zone of influence, maybe over geography or an zone of darkness (like pornography) or maybe involved with areas of world culture or government.
Remember the lesson from last week: the devil cannot make you do it – but the devil does have influence and intimidation. The main lesson of this verse: there is an organized effort to oppose Jesus, the Church and all Christ-followers.
THE DAY OF EVIL (v 13)
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Eph 6:13
Notice: WHEN the day of evil comes Not IF but WHEN. The evil day will come.
What is the Day of Evil?
1. In prophecy: there is a final day of evil – or day of disaster – end times.
2. In your daily life: the evil day refers to any time that evil is wining out – anytime something evil or wicked or sinful is carrying the day.
THE DEVIL IS INVOLVED IN THREE THINGS:
TEMPTING
DECEIVING
ACCUSING
Any time that temptation is winning – it’s a day of evil.
Any time that lies are winning over truth – it’s a day of evil.
Any time that accusation is winning over grace – it’s a day of evil.
The day of evil is anytime something wicked rises up against your faith and your progress in Christ. The goal of the evil day is to destroy your faith. All evil is a means to that end. Every murder, rape, theft, betrayal, adultery, argument, hurtful gossip, deep disappointment is just a means to an end: destroy someone’s faith.
The teaching of this scripture is that there is an organized resistance to your faith and spiritual progress and that this resistance is manifest on particularly evil days.
That’s the bad news.
Here is the good news.
YOU ARE DESTINED TO WIN IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE!
In fact, every Christ-follower is fully equipped to win at spiritual warfare. Why? Because our strength for the fight is not our own.
OUR STRATEGY
The apostle makes the strategy for victory clear in verse 10:
BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT!
Your spiritual victory in every spiritual conflict is already assured as long as you stay at home spiritually.
Where is your spiritual home? You spiritual home is IN CHRIST! This is the primary teaching of the book of Ephesians. Jesus has never lost to the devil and never will! When you are securely in Christ, your spiritual victory is sure!
Look where Jesus is at this moment. He is, “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Eph 1:20-23
Jesus rules in authority over every demon! He cannot be defeated!
When I am IN Christ, I am identified with all the power and authority of Jesus. His strength and His mighty power are available for every spiritual confrontation! The key is finding your true spiritual home in relationship to Jesus – and to truly understand who you are in Christ.
Who am I in Christ? Ephesians one and two has answers.
In Christ, I am:
Blessed (1:3)
Chosen (1:4)
Adopted (1:5)
Graced (1:6)
Redeemed (1:7)
Forgiven (1:7)
Included (1:13)
Sealed (1:13)
Heaven bound (1:14)
God’s possession (1:14)
Loved (2:4)
Alive (2:5)
Saved (2:5)
And seated with Christ in the heavenly realm! (2:6)
Wow! What a spiritual identity! So, when the devil comes to attack and confuse and accuse, take a moment to review this list of who you are in Christ. Even more, read it out loud to the devil!
Then follow this simple scriptural pattern for defeating the devil:
SUBMIT TO GOD
RESIST THE DEVIL
and he WILL flee! - James 4:7
The devil and demons are just as real as Jesus and angels.
The devil is introduced in the first book of the bible – demons are throughout the gospels. The existence of the devil and demons, not as symbols of evil but as real creatures, is clearly established in the Bible.
Jesus had many personal encounters with demons. At least once, He was confronted, tempted, by the devil himself. You can read about it in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 4.
The Lord has shown me three key lessons from this encounter:
1. The Devil opposes the Person of Jesus.
2. The Devil opposes the Ministry of Jesus.
3. The Devil opposes every ‘next step’ of faith!
The devil will oppose every decision you make to go further in your life of faith. This opposition could manifest in any number of ways, perhaps a criticism from a friend, an offending event, a strong temptation, a sudden crisis or illness. Whatever it takes to discourage or distract you from God’s purpose in your life. It is when you are stepping up spiritually that you can expect push back from the devil.
THIS CONFLICT is called SPIRITUAL WARFARE
The KEY TEXT on spiritual warfare is EPH 6:10-20. Turn there now in your Bible. These notes explore the meaning of these verses for our lives.
This text reveals a STRUGGLE and a STRATEGY.
OUR STRUGGLE
The apostle reveals by the Holy Spirit that there is an unseen spiritual world just beyond the visible. In that world reside both angels of light and demons of darkness. But don’t be fooled by non-biblical teaching: these forces of light and darkness are in no way equal. The Lord God Almighty reigns! Jesus Christ is the victor over every form of evil. He is the undefeated champion of love!
Still, the Bible makes it clear that there is a dark and organized plot to disrupt, distract, discourage and defeat the cause of Christ and every Christ-follower. The battle is real and all the more as the evil one senses that his time is short!
I want you to notice: One important word and Two important phrases
The Important Word: (v 12) – DARKNESS
The habitat of the demonic is DARKNESS -- moral darkness, emotional darkness, spiritual darkness. Beware! If you choose to go to a dark place in your life, you are inviting the company of evil!
IMPORTANT TRUTH about BELIEVERS:
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. Col 1:13
You have received a transfer! Your spiritual address has changed!
Spiritual warfare is about staying at home spiritually!
This is what it means to ‘stand.’ The word is used three times in our key text. It means that you are to not be moved from your faith, you are to stay at home spiritually.
Two Big Phrases that are descriptive of OUR STRUGGLE:
1. The Forces of Evil (v 12)
2. The Day of Evil (v 13)
THE SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL (v 12)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Eph 6:12
RULERS refers to leadership within the demonic world
AUTHORITIES refers to demons that have been given authority or power or influence.
POWERS OF THIS DARK WORLD refers to demons who have a zone of influence, maybe over geography or an zone of darkness (like pornography) or maybe involved with areas of world culture or government.
Remember the lesson from last week: the devil cannot make you do it – but the devil does have influence and intimidation. The main lesson of this verse: there is an organized effort to oppose Jesus, the Church and all Christ-followers.
THE DAY OF EVIL (v 13)
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Eph 6:13
Notice: WHEN the day of evil comes Not IF but WHEN. The evil day will come.
What is the Day of Evil?
1. In prophecy: there is a final day of evil – or day of disaster – end times.
2. In your daily life: the evil day refers to any time that evil is wining out – anytime something evil or wicked or sinful is carrying the day.
THE DEVIL IS INVOLVED IN THREE THINGS:
TEMPTING
DECEIVING
ACCUSING
Any time that temptation is winning – it’s a day of evil.
Any time that lies are winning over truth – it’s a day of evil.
Any time that accusation is winning over grace – it’s a day of evil.
The day of evil is anytime something wicked rises up against your faith and your progress in Christ. The goal of the evil day is to destroy your faith. All evil is a means to that end. Every murder, rape, theft, betrayal, adultery, argument, hurtful gossip, deep disappointment is just a means to an end: destroy someone’s faith.
The teaching of this scripture is that there is an organized resistance to your faith and spiritual progress and that this resistance is manifest on particularly evil days.
That’s the bad news.
Here is the good news.
YOU ARE DESTINED TO WIN IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE!
In fact, every Christ-follower is fully equipped to win at spiritual warfare. Why? Because our strength for the fight is not our own.
OUR STRATEGY
The apostle makes the strategy for victory clear in verse 10:
BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT!
Your spiritual victory in every spiritual conflict is already assured as long as you stay at home spiritually.
Where is your spiritual home? You spiritual home is IN CHRIST! This is the primary teaching of the book of Ephesians. Jesus has never lost to the devil and never will! When you are securely in Christ, your spiritual victory is sure!
Look where Jesus is at this moment. He is, “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Eph 1:20-23
Jesus rules in authority over every demon! He cannot be defeated!
When I am IN Christ, I am identified with all the power and authority of Jesus. His strength and His mighty power are available for every spiritual confrontation! The key is finding your true spiritual home in relationship to Jesus – and to truly understand who you are in Christ.
Who am I in Christ? Ephesians one and two has answers.
In Christ, I am:
Blessed (1:3)
Chosen (1:4)
Adopted (1:5)
Graced (1:6)
Redeemed (1:7)
Forgiven (1:7)
Included (1:13)
Sealed (1:13)
Heaven bound (1:14)
God’s possession (1:14)
Loved (2:4)
Alive (2:5)
Saved (2:5)
And seated with Christ in the heavenly realm! (2:6)
Wow! What a spiritual identity! So, when the devil comes to attack and confuse and accuse, take a moment to review this list of who you are in Christ. Even more, read it out loud to the devil!
Then follow this simple scriptural pattern for defeating the devil:
SUBMIT TO GOD
RESIST THE DEVIL
and he WILL flee! - James 4:7
Spiritual Warfare, part 1
We have started a new series at Lifepointe Church titled, "Armor-All." The reference is to the the scriptural instruction for every believer to 'put on the full armor of God.' Spiritual warfare is the subject of the series. I encourage you to listen online at www.lifepointeindy.com. Just click the sermons button at the bottom of the start page. The first message is called, "The Devil's Schemes."
I have three main goals in this teaching:
1. RAISE AWARENESS
10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Cor 2:10-11
2. SOUND THE ALARM
1 Once again a message came to me from the Lord: 2 “Son of man, give your people this message: ‘When I bring an army against a country, the people of that land choose one of their own to be a watchman. 3 When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people. 4 Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action, it is their own fault if they die. 5 They heard the alarm but ignored it, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives.” Ezekiel 33:1-5
3. EQUIP YOU TO WIN!
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Eph 6:13
There are three big errors regarding this topic of Spiritual Warfare:
1. It is an error to deny the existence of the Devil and Demons.
In fact, this is the first lie that the devil would have you believe! He would love for you to discount his reality. But to deny the reality of the Devil and Demons is to disregard the teachings of scripture, the accounts of the gospels in particular, and even your own observations and experience. Surely most everyone would acknowledge the presence of evil in this world.
2. It is an error to attribute every negative thing or every sinful choice to the devil.
The fact is, the devil did not make you do it! Sinful choices are ultimately your own responsibility. And bad things happen in a fallen world. A bridge collapse or terrible tornado are not to be immediately attributed to the devil.
3. It is an error to believe that Christians are immune from spiritual attack.
The reality is that becoming a Christ-follower is not an inoculation against spiritual attack - in fact, it actually increases your exposure! If Jesus was not immune, neither are you as His follower.
The key bible teaching on which we will focus in this series is found in Ephesians 6:10-19.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. - Eph 6:10-19
I hope that you have that passage underlined or highlighted in some way in your bible. It is a key passage on winning in spiritual battle!
For this teaching, notice the phrase that I have highlighted above, "The Devil's Schemes." That's the focus of this study. What are, "the devil's schemes?"
To understand the devil's schemes, you must first understand his purposes. His purposes are revealed by Jesus:
"The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:10
It is of critical importance that you see the big picture principle of this verse: Jesus is a giver and the devil is a taker! When you are aligned with Jesus, you receive of heaven's storehouse. When you align yourself with the devil, you are about to be taken!
Notice also the devil's three main goals: steal, kill and destroy. He is always stealing, always killing, always destroying. So pick your category: marriage, children, money, church, nation, liberty, spiritual life, personal joy and dreams, even your eternal soul - the devil is out to steal, kill and destroy them all!
Can you see why this battle is so important? The stakes could not be higher!
The devil's schemes are also revealed in the names of the devil: tempter (Matt 4:3), deceiver and accuser (Rev 12:9-10).
He will tempt you to sin.
Have you believe a lie to justify the sin.
Then accuse you as soon as you have sinned!
The devil is evil.
The devil's ultimate goal is to destroy your faith! Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6), so the devil wants to destroy your faith. He wants you to just quit - give up on anything and everything good or God-honoring.
There is much to study in the next few weeks about both the tactics of the devil and the overcoming victory that is ours in Christ Jesus. For now, I want to encourage you to re-read our primary text and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart about the 'full-armor of God.'
We will explore the meaning of the text more but even now begin to put on the armor as best as you know how.
Here too are three words of encouragement for you as a Christ-follower:
YOU DON’T HAVE TO FALL FOR TEMPTATION
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Cor 10:13
YOU WILL NOT FALL FOR THE LIES
You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free! John 8:32
GOD DOES NOT ACCUSE YOU
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus...
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Rom 8:1, 31-37
May the Lord bless you, surround you, protect you, set you free, and station His angels near you as you seek to serve Him from your heart!
Check back next week as we continue exploring this vital topic.
I have three main goals in this teaching:
1. RAISE AWARENESS
10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Cor 2:10-11
2. SOUND THE ALARM
1 Once again a message came to me from the Lord: 2 “Son of man, give your people this message: ‘When I bring an army against a country, the people of that land choose one of their own to be a watchman. 3 When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people. 4 Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action, it is their own fault if they die. 5 They heard the alarm but ignored it, so the responsibility is theirs. If they had listened to the warning, they could have saved their lives.” Ezekiel 33:1-5
3. EQUIP YOU TO WIN!
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Eph 6:13
There are three big errors regarding this topic of Spiritual Warfare:
1. It is an error to deny the existence of the Devil and Demons.
In fact, this is the first lie that the devil would have you believe! He would love for you to discount his reality. But to deny the reality of the Devil and Demons is to disregard the teachings of scripture, the accounts of the gospels in particular, and even your own observations and experience. Surely most everyone would acknowledge the presence of evil in this world.
2. It is an error to attribute every negative thing or every sinful choice to the devil.
The fact is, the devil did not make you do it! Sinful choices are ultimately your own responsibility. And bad things happen in a fallen world. A bridge collapse or terrible tornado are not to be immediately attributed to the devil.
3. It is an error to believe that Christians are immune from spiritual attack.
The reality is that becoming a Christ-follower is not an inoculation against spiritual attack - in fact, it actually increases your exposure! If Jesus was not immune, neither are you as His follower.
The key bible teaching on which we will focus in this series is found in Ephesians 6:10-19.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. - Eph 6:10-19
I hope that you have that passage underlined or highlighted in some way in your bible. It is a key passage on winning in spiritual battle!
For this teaching, notice the phrase that I have highlighted above, "The Devil's Schemes." That's the focus of this study. What are, "the devil's schemes?"
To understand the devil's schemes, you must first understand his purposes. His purposes are revealed by Jesus:
"The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:10
It is of critical importance that you see the big picture principle of this verse: Jesus is a giver and the devil is a taker! When you are aligned with Jesus, you receive of heaven's storehouse. When you align yourself with the devil, you are about to be taken!
Notice also the devil's three main goals: steal, kill and destroy. He is always stealing, always killing, always destroying. So pick your category: marriage, children, money, church, nation, liberty, spiritual life, personal joy and dreams, even your eternal soul - the devil is out to steal, kill and destroy them all!
Can you see why this battle is so important? The stakes could not be higher!
The devil's schemes are also revealed in the names of the devil: tempter (Matt 4:3), deceiver and accuser (Rev 12:9-10).
He will tempt you to sin.
Have you believe a lie to justify the sin.
Then accuse you as soon as you have sinned!
The devil is evil.
The devil's ultimate goal is to destroy your faith! Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6), so the devil wants to destroy your faith. He wants you to just quit - give up on anything and everything good or God-honoring.
There is much to study in the next few weeks about both the tactics of the devil and the overcoming victory that is ours in Christ Jesus. For now, I want to encourage you to re-read our primary text and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart about the 'full-armor of God.'
We will explore the meaning of the text more but even now begin to put on the armor as best as you know how.
Here too are three words of encouragement for you as a Christ-follower:
YOU DON’T HAVE TO FALL FOR TEMPTATION
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Cor 10:13
YOU WILL NOT FALL FOR THE LIES
You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free! John 8:32
GOD DOES NOT ACCUSE YOU
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus...
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Rom 8:1, 31-37
May the Lord bless you, surround you, protect you, set you free, and station His angels near you as you seek to serve Him from your heart!
Check back next week as we continue exploring this vital topic.
Resolution: Set Goals!
The last topic of the Resolution message series is goal-setting. It is fitting because it is for lack of a plan and follow-through that all other resolutions fall short.
A goal is a clearly written statement of an intended destination.
It is as though you open up 'the map of life' and decide that you want to go from where you are to a new, preferred destination. It could be that you a looking at a map called, 'the state of your money.' You are wanting to move your financial position from debt to wealth. Or maybe you are looking at a map called 'the state of your health.' You want to move from 'out of shape' to 'physically fit.'
A goal identifies the end point, the destination - maybe it is a final result.
Goals are powerful. Those who have them, review them and act on them succeed in a remarkably greater way than those who do not. Goal-setting may be one of the most powerful skills that you will ever learn. It is an essential skill to pass on to your children.
IS GOAL SETTING BIBLICAL?
Yes!
1. GOD HAS PURPOSES AND PLANS
Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Ps 33:11
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11
2. GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE DREAMS AND GOALS
He even offers a blessing on God-given goals and plans!
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Ps 20:4
THE BIBLE PROMISES REWARDS FOR GODLY GOAL-SETTERS
You will enjoy success! (Pr. 16:3)
You will make a profit! (Pr 21:5)
You will gain counselors! (Ps 15:22)
You will avoid embarrassment! (Luke 14:28-29)
Those are some big reasons to set goals in your life. But there is another reward for those who have goals. It is captured in this verse:
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Pr 16:9
What’s the reward? You will learn submission to God. It’s true that no matter how diligently we try to have noble and godly goals, God often has other plans for our lives. When He redirects our steps, it is a chance to learn that God is in control!
The apostle Paul often referenced this idea. He wrote that he had planned to pursue a certain good and noble goal but that the Holy Spirit had stopped him in the midst of his pursuit.
IF GOAL-SETTING IS SO REWARDING, WHY DON’T MORE PEOPLE DO IT?
An author on goal-setting, Brian Tracy, mentions four reasons why people do not have clearly written goals.
They don’t see the importance of goals.
They are afraid of failure.
They are afraid of being ridiculed by friends if they fail.
They simply don’t know how to set goals.
Here’s how to set a goal that will help you succeed. Remember the acrostic S-M-A-R-T. Good goals are clear written statements of an intended destination that are:
S – specific
M – measurable
A – achievable
R – relevant
T – time-bound
An example of a good goal is, “I will lose five pounds by March 1st.”
But goals really gain their power – and relevance – when they support larger, more meaningful purposes. A mentor once told me to remember P-G-A: Purposes, Goals and Action-plans. Purposes are the largest. Goals support purposes. Action-plans are the ‘to-do’ of achieving goals.
The largest purpose in a Christ-followers life is that of giving glory and honor to God.
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Rev 4:11
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. I Cor 10:31
As a follower of Jesus, you are involved in the largest cause of all and longest lasting! You are called to help advance the gospel of Jesus Christ with your unique gifts, experiences and personality. You have been born at the perfect time! You are in the right location!
Take time to discover some God-given purposes for your life. To do this may take some time and even some trial and error.
Here is how to get started:
Pray! Ask God to reveal to you His purposes for this moment in your life.
Talk. Talk with people who know you well and can see what God has fashioned in your life. Often others can recognize our gifts and callings even before we recognize them.
Read. Especially read God’s Word. Ask God to help you discover direction and purpose for your life as you read.
Write. Begin to write down statements of purpose. Try to be as clear and specific as possible. Then lay it aside and come back in a day or so and review what you have written. Remember, this is not a ‘want-to’ or hope. This is a more defined and directional purpose.
Share. Go back to your trusted and godly friends and counselors. Show then your work and ask for their honest feedback. If you use the words, “God has told me,” that ends the conversation. If God has spoken then it’s a done deal. But if you are seeking to refine or to hear more clearly then this exercise will be helpful to you. God often speaks to us, at least in part, through the body of Christ.
God has given you the gift of life! You are accountable to Him and to your loved-ones for your stewardship of this great gift. The best way to energize and focus your life is to have a strong sense of purpose backed up by clear goals.
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. - Ps 20:4
A goal is a clearly written statement of an intended destination.
It is as though you open up 'the map of life' and decide that you want to go from where you are to a new, preferred destination. It could be that you a looking at a map called, 'the state of your money.' You are wanting to move your financial position from debt to wealth. Or maybe you are looking at a map called 'the state of your health.' You want to move from 'out of shape' to 'physically fit.'
A goal identifies the end point, the destination - maybe it is a final result.
Goals are powerful. Those who have them, review them and act on them succeed in a remarkably greater way than those who do not. Goal-setting may be one of the most powerful skills that you will ever learn. It is an essential skill to pass on to your children.
IS GOAL SETTING BIBLICAL?
Yes!
1. GOD HAS PURPOSES AND PLANS
Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Ps 33:11
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11
2. GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE DREAMS AND GOALS
He even offers a blessing on God-given goals and plans!
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Ps 20:4
THE BIBLE PROMISES REWARDS FOR GODLY GOAL-SETTERS
You will enjoy success! (Pr. 16:3)
You will make a profit! (Pr 21:5)
You will gain counselors! (Ps 15:22)
You will avoid embarrassment! (Luke 14:28-29)
Those are some big reasons to set goals in your life. But there is another reward for those who have goals. It is captured in this verse:
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Pr 16:9
What’s the reward? You will learn submission to God. It’s true that no matter how diligently we try to have noble and godly goals, God often has other plans for our lives. When He redirects our steps, it is a chance to learn that God is in control!
The apostle Paul often referenced this idea. He wrote that he had planned to pursue a certain good and noble goal but that the Holy Spirit had stopped him in the midst of his pursuit.
IF GOAL-SETTING IS SO REWARDING, WHY DON’T MORE PEOPLE DO IT?
An author on goal-setting, Brian Tracy, mentions four reasons why people do not have clearly written goals.
They don’t see the importance of goals.
They are afraid of failure.
They are afraid of being ridiculed by friends if they fail.
They simply don’t know how to set goals.
Here’s how to set a goal that will help you succeed. Remember the acrostic S-M-A-R-T. Good goals are clear written statements of an intended destination that are:
S – specific
M – measurable
A – achievable
R – relevant
T – time-bound
An example of a good goal is, “I will lose five pounds by March 1st.”
But goals really gain their power – and relevance – when they support larger, more meaningful purposes. A mentor once told me to remember P-G-A: Purposes, Goals and Action-plans. Purposes are the largest. Goals support purposes. Action-plans are the ‘to-do’ of achieving goals.
The largest purpose in a Christ-followers life is that of giving glory and honor to God.
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Rev 4:11
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. I Cor 10:31
As a follower of Jesus, you are involved in the largest cause of all and longest lasting! You are called to help advance the gospel of Jesus Christ with your unique gifts, experiences and personality. You have been born at the perfect time! You are in the right location!
Take time to discover some God-given purposes for your life. To do this may take some time and even some trial and error.
Here is how to get started:
Pray! Ask God to reveal to you His purposes for this moment in your life.
Talk. Talk with people who know you well and can see what God has fashioned in your life. Often others can recognize our gifts and callings even before we recognize them.
Read. Especially read God’s Word. Ask God to help you discover direction and purpose for your life as you read.
Write. Begin to write down statements of purpose. Try to be as clear and specific as possible. Then lay it aside and come back in a day or so and review what you have written. Remember, this is not a ‘want-to’ or hope. This is a more defined and directional purpose.
Share. Go back to your trusted and godly friends and counselors. Show then your work and ask for their honest feedback. If you use the words, “God has told me,” that ends the conversation. If God has spoken then it’s a done deal. But if you are seeking to refine or to hear more clearly then this exercise will be helpful to you. God often speaks to us, at least in part, through the body of Christ.
God has given you the gift of life! You are accountable to Him and to your loved-ones for your stewardship of this great gift. The best way to energize and focus your life is to have a strong sense of purpose backed up by clear goals.
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. - Ps 20:4
Resolution: Lose Weight!
Sunday I continued in our Resolution message series. The topic was weight loss and optimum health.
The number one new year’s resolution in the USA is to lose weight. For good reason, Americans are the most out of shape population on the planet!
God didn’t intend for us to lack optimum health. In fact, he created perfect people in a perfect environment. Adam and Eve lived in a garden with no pollution, no pesticides, no genetically modified foods, no preservatives. There was no corruption of the gene pool in their ancestry because they had no ancestry!
So, what happened between then and now? Maybe this historical overview will help.
• God populated the earth with broccoli and cauliflower and spinach and green and yellow vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.
• Satan created hamburger restaurants. And hamburger restaurants brought forth the 99-cent double-cheeseburger. And Satan said to Man, "You want fries with that?"
• And Man said, "Super size them." And Man gained pounds.
• God created the healthful yogurt, that woman might keep her figure that man found so fair.
• So Satan froze the yogurt, and he brought forth chocolate, nuts and brightly colored sprinkle candy to put on the yogurt. And woman gained pounds.
• And God said, "Try my crispy fresh salad."
• And Satan brought forth creamy dressings, bacon bits, and shredded cheese.
• And there was ice cream for dessert. And woman gained pounds.
• Then God said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil with which to cook them."
• And Satan brought forth chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter, and Man gained pounds, and his bad cholesterol went through the roof.
• God brought forth running shoes, and Man resolved to lose those extra pounds.
• And Satan brought forth cable TV with remote control so Man would not have to toil to change channels between ESPN and ESPN2. And Man gained pounds.
• And God said, "You’re running up the score, Devil." And God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition.
• And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fat fried them. And he created sour cream dip also. And Man clutched his remote control and ate the potato chips swaddled in cholesterol.
• And Satan saw and said, "It is good!" And Man went into cardiac arrest.
• And God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery. So Satan created HMOs!
It’s a funny story but it’s very close to true!
Sadly, over half of all adults in the U S are overweight and nearly 60 million are considered obese. Children are also piling on the extra pounds. Nearly 9 million are obese. It’s a fat epidemic!
Health and vitality are being drained away. In their place are a host of serious and life-altering ailments brought on by being overweight: hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, stroke, sleep apnea and many more.
Your degree of health directly impacts your quality of life. Your health impacts your mental, emotional, financial, social, relational and even spiritual wellbeing.
Here is a key principle: it is easier to maintain your health than to regain it!
So, what’s the solution?
One thing is for sure, will power is not enough!
First, know the ingredients to healthful living. There are five:
1. Diet
2. Exercise
3. Faith
4. Hope
5. Love
Everyone knows that diet and exercise influence our health. Fewer realize the less tangible but also important aspects of faith, hope and love.
Faith has been shown in many medical studies to be positively correlated to health and especially for improved recovery from illness. Prayer works!
Hope is essential to all survival. We always have hope in Jesus Christ!
Love. Most stories of survival against all odds have as a component the desire to see a loved-one once again. Love is life-giving.
What does the Bible say?
An instructive passage is I Cor 6:19-20.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
There are four powerful lessons in this text about our bodies:
1. Our bodies house the Holy Spirit. (v 19)
2. We do not belong to ourselves but to God. (v 19)
3. We have been bought with a price – the blood of Jesus (v 20)
4. We were designed to glorify him in all that we do. (v 20)
For a Christ-follower, there are two motivations for being ‘in shape:’
1. It’s a good stewardship of the gift of life.
2. It allows you to serve God and others with energy and vitality.
How do you get yourself in shape? Decide on a diet and exercise program (they all work!), the do two things:
1. Start!
2. Stay with it!
Here are three scriptures that should encourage anyone embarking a significant lifestyle change of any king:
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. -Phil 4:13
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
-Gal 5:22-23
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! -Ecc 3:10
I pray this blessing for you as you resolve by God’s grace and power to change your life for the better in 2008:
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2
Do you have a fitness tip or a weight loss testimony? Put it in the 'comments' to this post!
The number one new year’s resolution in the USA is to lose weight. For good reason, Americans are the most out of shape population on the planet!
God didn’t intend for us to lack optimum health. In fact, he created perfect people in a perfect environment. Adam and Eve lived in a garden with no pollution, no pesticides, no genetically modified foods, no preservatives. There was no corruption of the gene pool in their ancestry because they had no ancestry!
So, what happened between then and now? Maybe this historical overview will help.
• God populated the earth with broccoli and cauliflower and spinach and green and yellow vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.
• Satan created hamburger restaurants. And hamburger restaurants brought forth the 99-cent double-cheeseburger. And Satan said to Man, "You want fries with that?"
• And Man said, "Super size them." And Man gained pounds.
• God created the healthful yogurt, that woman might keep her figure that man found so fair.
• So Satan froze the yogurt, and he brought forth chocolate, nuts and brightly colored sprinkle candy to put on the yogurt. And woman gained pounds.
• And God said, "Try my crispy fresh salad."
• And Satan brought forth creamy dressings, bacon bits, and shredded cheese.
• And there was ice cream for dessert. And woman gained pounds.
• Then God said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil with which to cook them."
• And Satan brought forth chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter, and Man gained pounds, and his bad cholesterol went through the roof.
• God brought forth running shoes, and Man resolved to lose those extra pounds.
• And Satan brought forth cable TV with remote control so Man would not have to toil to change channels between ESPN and ESPN2. And Man gained pounds.
• And God said, "You’re running up the score, Devil." And God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition.
• And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fat fried them. And he created sour cream dip also. And Man clutched his remote control and ate the potato chips swaddled in cholesterol.
• And Satan saw and said, "It is good!" And Man went into cardiac arrest.
• And God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery. So Satan created HMOs!
It’s a funny story but it’s very close to true!
Sadly, over half of all adults in the U S are overweight and nearly 60 million are considered obese. Children are also piling on the extra pounds. Nearly 9 million are obese. It’s a fat epidemic!
Health and vitality are being drained away. In their place are a host of serious and life-altering ailments brought on by being overweight: hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, stroke, sleep apnea and many more.
Your degree of health directly impacts your quality of life. Your health impacts your mental, emotional, financial, social, relational and even spiritual wellbeing.
Here is a key principle: it is easier to maintain your health than to regain it!
So, what’s the solution?
One thing is for sure, will power is not enough!
First, know the ingredients to healthful living. There are five:
1. Diet
2. Exercise
3. Faith
4. Hope
5. Love
Everyone knows that diet and exercise influence our health. Fewer realize the less tangible but also important aspects of faith, hope and love.
Faith has been shown in many medical studies to be positively correlated to health and especially for improved recovery from illness. Prayer works!
Hope is essential to all survival. We always have hope in Jesus Christ!
Love. Most stories of survival against all odds have as a component the desire to see a loved-one once again. Love is life-giving.
What does the Bible say?
An instructive passage is I Cor 6:19-20.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
There are four powerful lessons in this text about our bodies:
1. Our bodies house the Holy Spirit. (v 19)
2. We do not belong to ourselves but to God. (v 19)
3. We have been bought with a price – the blood of Jesus (v 20)
4. We were designed to glorify him in all that we do. (v 20)
For a Christ-follower, there are two motivations for being ‘in shape:’
1. It’s a good stewardship of the gift of life.
2. It allows you to serve God and others with energy and vitality.
How do you get yourself in shape? Decide on a diet and exercise program (they all work!), the do two things:
1. Start!
2. Stay with it!
Here are three scriptures that should encourage anyone embarking a significant lifestyle change of any king:
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. -Phil 4:13
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
-Gal 5:22-23
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! -Ecc 3:10
I pray this blessing for you as you resolve by God’s grace and power to change your life for the better in 2008:
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2
Do you have a fitness tip or a weight loss testimony? Put it in the 'comments' to this post!
Resolution: Get Debt Free!
Wouldn't it fee great to be debt free?!
Last Sunday at Lifepointe Church, I spoke on the crippling effect of DEBT and the freedom found when you manage money according to biblical priorities. The message was titled: “Resolution: Pay it Off!” You can listen to the message at http://www.lifepointeindy.com/, click the sermons button, and you’ll see the January 20 message and title.
Consider this text of Scripture
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. Rom 13:7-8
Notice the phrase, “Let no debt remain outstanding.”
The first step in a sensible and God-honoring financial plan is this: get out of debt!
This has never been more important that this very moment. The experts are predicting a recession for our economy. Lower interest rates are with us for the moment of the government’s ‘stimulus package’ but higher interest rates and inflation are sure to come. The best starting position for tough financial times is being debt free.
The bigger issue for Christ-followers is that smothering debt keeps you from being able to freely follow God’s voice and direction in your life. It’s difficult to take a week off and go on a mission trip if you can’t afford either the trip or the time off. Many of you have dreams that God has put in your heart but your debt has you so tied down that you are unable to pursue your God-given destiny. Sad.
God’s plan for your money can be summed up in two statements:
Honor God with your money.
Bless others with your money.
Here is the way the Bible says it:
Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the Lord with your Wealth”
How do you honor God with money?
1. Give to your church and to worthy ministries.
2. Let the management of your money be a testimony to God.
When you honor God with your money, he promises that blessing will flow to your life.
Jesus said it like this: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38
You must also bless others with your money. But who?
1. Your family.
If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Tim 5:8
2. Your grandchildren.
A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous. Prov 13:22
3. People in need.
"If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks..."You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings. For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.'” Deut 15:7-8, 10-11
God’s design for your financial life is really pretty simple: he has given you the power to create wealth and you are to remember him in your management of it (Deut 18:8).
In order to honor God and bless others with your money, you must first get out of debt.
If you live near Carmel, IN, we can help you at Lifepointe Church. We are hosting Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University – the proven debt elimination and money management system. For more information, call the church at 317-571-0630. You will have a weight lifted off of you and new sense of freedom when you live debt-free.
You should also know about the greatest debt-cancellation project in the history of the world. It is described in this bible verse:
[Jesus] made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Col 2:13-14
Jesus paid your sin-debt; a debt so large that you could have never paid it with a thousand Sundays in church or a resolve to live the rest of your life doing good works. As the old song says, “Jesus paid it all.”
Last Sunday at Lifepointe Church, I spoke on the crippling effect of DEBT and the freedom found when you manage money according to biblical priorities. The message was titled: “Resolution: Pay it Off!” You can listen to the message at http://www.lifepointeindy.com/, click the sermons button, and you’ll see the January 20 message and title.
Consider this text of Scripture
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. Rom 13:7-8
Notice the phrase, “Let no debt remain outstanding.”
The first step in a sensible and God-honoring financial plan is this: get out of debt!
This has never been more important that this very moment. The experts are predicting a recession for our economy. Lower interest rates are with us for the moment of the government’s ‘stimulus package’ but higher interest rates and inflation are sure to come. The best starting position for tough financial times is being debt free.
The bigger issue for Christ-followers is that smothering debt keeps you from being able to freely follow God’s voice and direction in your life. It’s difficult to take a week off and go on a mission trip if you can’t afford either the trip or the time off. Many of you have dreams that God has put in your heart but your debt has you so tied down that you are unable to pursue your God-given destiny. Sad.
God’s plan for your money can be summed up in two statements:
Honor God with your money.
Bless others with your money.
Here is the way the Bible says it:
Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the Lord with your Wealth”
How do you honor God with money?
1. Give to your church and to worthy ministries.
2. Let the management of your money be a testimony to God.
When you honor God with your money, he promises that blessing will flow to your life.
Jesus said it like this: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38
You must also bless others with your money. But who?
1. Your family.
If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Tim 5:8
2. Your grandchildren.
A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous. Prov 13:22
3. People in need.
"If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks..."You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings. For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.'” Deut 15:7-8, 10-11
God’s design for your financial life is really pretty simple: he has given you the power to create wealth and you are to remember him in your management of it (Deut 18:8).
In order to honor God and bless others with your money, you must first get out of debt.
If you live near Carmel, IN, we can help you at Lifepointe Church. We are hosting Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University – the proven debt elimination and money management system. For more information, call the church at 317-571-0630. You will have a weight lifted off of you and new sense of freedom when you live debt-free.
You should also know about the greatest debt-cancellation project in the history of the world. It is described in this bible verse:
[Jesus] made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Col 2:13-14
Jesus paid your sin-debt; a debt so large that you could have never paid it with a thousand Sundays in church or a resolve to live the rest of your life doing good works. As the old song says, “Jesus paid it all.”
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